How soon after my snake eats can I handle it?

Today I am going to discuss how long you should wait to handle you snake after its been fed and how often you should handle it.

This topic is very controversial. There are people that will tell you to not handle your snake unless it is absolutely necessary, I disagree. If you purchase a snake you are more than likely buying it as a pet and not a breeder. For this reason I believe you should handle your snake quite a bit. The only time I would tell you not to handle your snake is after a feeding. This is the time you should wait a couple days. Handling your snake will cause undue stress after its fed and can cause it to regurgitate the prey and even in certain circumstances can cause death due to the regurgitation.

Lets talk about how often you should hold your pet snake. A good rule to go by is if your snake is hissing or striking, leave it alone. This is a good indicator it is not in the mood. If its relaxed and does not try these two things you are good to go. I will handle my pet snakes at least once a week, with a few exceptions, like when family come over or to show some friends. When this occurs don't play pass the snake, this will stress it out and can cause it to not want to be held. Friends and family can touch it on its body, but keep them away from its head.

The majority of snakes are docile and unless taunted they will be relaxed and at ease slithering through your hands. It is not a good idea to try to constrain the snake meaning do not hold it to tight, allow it to move through your hands and your neck. I may caution you to not allow a big snake to wrap around your neck, ball pythons are not big snakes, granted they are strong and can squeeze some, they will not kill you. A Colombian Boa or Anaconda on the other hand, never put them around your neck, never!!

I now believe you are ready to start holding your snake. Good luck and remember they are snakes and will strike at times and may even get a hold of you, don't panic. Let then realize your not food and they will let go.

Thanks,
Eric Rovegno
www.ballpythonplanet.com